Media Training: Develop & Deliver Compelling Messages

Spokespersons — and public relations practitioners who provide behind-the-scene counsel and support — know successful communications skills are honed by media training and practice. The most effective are strategic and follow a simple five-step process to drive message development and interview preparation.

Spokespersons — and public relations practitioners who provide behind-the-scene counsel and support — know successful communications skills are honed by media training and practice. The most effective are strategic and follow a simple five-step process to drive message development and interview preparation. 1. Set an Agenda

Leadership guru Stephen Covey instructs disciples to begin with the end in mind. The same principle applies to agenda setting. Before each interview, identify your business objective(s) to clarify who you need to reach and what you want to say.

Further, ask yourself, “If I could write the headline or story lead, what would I want it to state? If interviewed, what quotes would I want attributed to me or my organization?” Your conclusions should be reflected in key messages, supporting information, Q-and-A responses and a pre-planned closing statement.

Develop three key messages to serve as the foundation for all communications and to weave into each interview. They should fit on one page: each as two or three sentences in length or 15 to 30 seconds when spoken.

Be more strategic than simply the “three most important things.” Craft messages that:

Describe a product, service, program, organization or point of view.

Differentiate the product, service, program, organization or point of view, and showcase strategic leadership.

Focus on the benefits to the target audience, clearly stating what’s in it for them.

3. Prove Your Points

Your goal is to introduce and reinforce key messages. Supporting information can extend a conversation, offering proof and adding credibility by using:

Facts: Use simple and descriptive statements.

Statistics or figures: Put information into easy-to-understand or quantifiable terms.

Speculate about potential interview questions. Go beyond who, what, where, when, how and why to include inquiries being fielded by the C-suite, public relations and sales. Consider what’s topical in the news or your industry, as well as what you’re afraid of being asked. After listing 20 to 25 potential queries, you can arm yourself with key message-laden responses and seek needed data or counsel in advance of the interview.

5. Make a Lasting Impression

Because people often remember what they hear first and last, it’s worthwhile to pre-plan a meaningful closing statement that reinforces your benefit statement. It will resonate with your target audience and drive a desired response.

Media training often focuses on delivery and control techniques, offers ways to enhance personal presence and engages participants in mock interviews. Yet, what a spokesperson has to say — and articulates in compelling key messages — is most important. It won’t matter that your shoes are shined if your foot is in your mouth!

Hope to see you in Orlando!

Debbie Wetherhead is president of Wetherhead Communications. She manages public relations programs for globally recognized names, such as The Coca-Cola Company, Beazer Homes, YKK, NASA and more. Her firm is best known for its ability to generate positive publicity and finesse business communications. Backed by 25+ years of experience, Wetherhead has conducted nearly 500 media, presentation, crisis communication and key message development trainings, and has presented at two PRSA International Conferences and to numerous Chapters nationwide.